Throwing Shade: Edmonton’s ballroom scene

07/05/2025 16 min

Listen "Throwing Shade: Edmonton’s ballroom scene"

Episode Synopsis

Everyone knows the cliched image of ballroom dancing, but have you heard about the underground queer subculture version? It is where people "walk", perform, model, dance and lip-sync in a diverse range of categories. First created by Black and Latina queer and trans folks in the U.S., ballroom culture was built as a welcoming space that allowed participants to be themselves and celebrate each other. Producer Tahirih Foroozan gives us a closer look at YEG Ballroom, a part of the Fruit Loop Society of Alberta, and their upcoming Kiki Ball.